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Best Outdoor Dining In Pittsburgh

In city life, outdoor dining is typically hard to find and a rare occasion. But Pittsburgh isn’t your ordinary city. The Steel City has plenty of outdoor dining restaurants, each with its own unique flair. It’s important to note, though, that these aren’t just any al fresco dining options—every restaurant on the list is worth the visit alone for their great menu and food. With options ranging from Pan-Asian, Mediterranean, French and Italian, you have plenty of warm, summer dinners ahead of you.

For Tamari, the dining awards just seem to keep piling up. For two years in a row, Pittsburgh Magazine rated it among their top 25 restaurants, while City Paper honored it in the same way in 2009. So you know you have to try this Asian-fusion place as soon as you can. The menu is extensive, featuring tons of seafood choices. They’ve got sushi, salmon and halibut all with a punch of Asian flair. And you definitely have to try their maki rolls, filled with a variety of different fishes and spices. Make sure you request a seat on their outdoor patio, which offers a great view of the city. Great food and a great ambience—Tamari really is a winner all around.

Jerome Bettis Grille 36

A legend in Pittsburgh, former Pittsburgh-Steelers running back Jerome Bettis can do no wrong—and his restaurant is no exception. Continually voted the best sports restaurant in the city, Jerome Bettis Grille 36 isn’t your typical sports bar, starting with its eclectic menu. Thai Tuna Salad, Pierogi Flatbread, Pulled Pork Sandwich, and a Skirt Steak Chimichurri are just a few of the wide array of options available for hungry eaters at this Pittsburgh hotspot. Of course their bar is second to none—with 36 beers on tap, 36 bottled beers, 36 wines and 36 martinis and specialty cocktails. But the cherry on top is the outdoor patio that offers a breathtaking view of literally the whole city, including Point State Park, Mount Washington, Heinz Field, the skyline and the three rivers.

If you’re looking for Italian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal items, then Girasole is your answer. Located in the quaint neighborhood of Shadyside, Girasole offers eaters a great menu filled with a modern take on Italian food. The menu changes seasonally, with this summer’s menu offering a range of options. Potato Gnocchi, polenta baked polenta, grilled quail and spinach spaghetti fill the menu, with desserts made daily. Their outdoor dining is a cozy space, secluded from busy Walnut Street. Get there early and request the outdoor seating, because it goes fast. Great service, delicious food and a perfect atmosphere creates a great dining excursion.

Casbah is truly one of those restaurants that successfully combines ambience with great food, a combination with creates a truly wonderful dining experience. This Mediterranean restaurant offers an upscale menu, with plenty of choices for everyone, from the culinary adventurous to the meat and potatoes lover. The menu changes often, but currently, some big items include the Short Rib Ravioli, the Filet Mignon with fingerling potatoes, the Seared Rare Tuna, and the Lamb Shank served with blue cheese mashed potatoes. But part of the draw is the beautiful, heated patio seating surrounded by a Mediterranean garden. This warmly decorated oasis transports you to a quaint café on the Mediterranean.

This cute, French restaurant, located in East Liberty, offers eaters a delicious taste of France right here in Pittsburgh. Self-defined as a crêperie and bistro, this restaurant is serving up some delicious French cuisine in a non-intimidating fashion. From crepes, French sandwiches, quiche, and the fabulous crème brulee, they’ve got it all. Sunday brunch features their French toast and fresh baked breads that will spoil you! They even have a charming patio situated in the back of the café, which will give you some peace and quiet while you enjoy your little slice of France.

Henry Frick, known for his Industrialist endeavors and his art collection, left behind a relic for all of Pittsburgh to enjoy—his beautiful estate filled with his extensive art collection. The Café at the Frick opened in 1994, much to the enjoyment of visitors. The menu changes often, but the current menu offers such specialties as Lamb Porterhouse, Asparagus Hash and the BLT. An added bonus is that all of their vegetables are grown on-site. For an extra special treat, attend their afternoon tea, which offers freshly brewed tea and delicious pastries and finger foods. The best place to enjoy these delicious offerings is their outdoor seating. It’s a beautiful setting that escalates the dining to a whole other level. Call ahead to ensure outdoor seating availability.

Christine Mouser is currently living in the Pittsburgh area, where she is an editorial intern for Pittsburgh Magazine. She is set to graduate from Penn State University this summer, with a degree in print journalism. She has written for HappyValley.com, Town & Gown magazine and Penn State’s Valley.